Westwood, New Jersey sits in Bergen County, about 25 miles northwest of Manhattan. With a population of roughly 11,100 people as of 2023, this borough covers 2.3 square miles and has been quietly building a reputation as one of North Jersey’s more practical suburban choices for families looking to balance commuter access with small-town living.
Location and Transportation Access
Westwood’s biggest selling point is its location along the Pascack Valley Line. The NJ Transit train station sits right in the center of town on Center Avenue, offering direct service to Hoboken with connections to Penn Station. The commute takes about 45-50 minutes to Midtown Manhattan during peak hours, which beats driving into the city by a significant margin.
Route 17 runs along the eastern edge of town, providing quick access to the Garden State Parkway and major shopping areas in Paramus. The Palisades Interstate Parkway is about 10 minutes east, connecting you to the George Washington Bridge and points south.
Housing Market Reality
As of late 2024, Westwood’s median home price hovers around $650,000 to $700,000, which puts it in the middle range for Bergen County suburbs. You’ll find a mix of housing stock:
- Colonial and Cape Cod homes from the 1940s-1960s, typically ranging from $550,000-$750,000
- Newer construction and renovated properties from $700,000-$900,000
- Smaller starter homes and condos from $400,000-$550,000
Property taxes average around $18,000-$22,000 annually, which is fairly typical for Bergen County but worth factoring into your budget calculations.
Schools and Education
Westwood Regional School District serves students from Westwood and parts of Washington Township. The district includes Westwood Regional High School, which consistently ranks in the top 25% of New Jersey high schools according to state performance data.
Test scores from 2023-2024 show the high school performing above state averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. The student-to-teacher ratio sits at about 12:1, which allows for more individualized attention than you’ll find in larger districts.
For elementary and middle school students, the district operates Berkeley Elementary and George Washington Middle School, both of which maintain solid academic reputations within Bergen County.
Downtown and Local Businesses
Westwood’s downtown area centers around the intersection of Center Avenue and Washington Avenue. It’s not a destination shopping district, but it covers the basics well. You’ll find a handful of restaurants, a pharmacy, dry cleaner, and some specialty shops.
Notable local spots include Biagio’s Restaurant for Italian food and several takeout options. The downtown also has a small movie theater, which is increasingly rare in suburban towns this size.
Recreation and Parks
The borough maintains several parks, with Veterans Field being the largest. It includes baseball fields, tennis courts, and playground equipment. Westwood also has access to the Pascack Brook Trail, a paved walking and biking path that connects to other municipalities in the region.
For more extensive recreation, Saddle River County Park is about 15 minutes away, offering hiking trails, fishing, and larger sports facilities.
Demographics and Community Character
Westwood’s population is predominantly white (about 85% as of the 2020 census), with growing Hispanic and Asian communities. The median household income sits around $95,000, reflecting the area’s middle-to-upper-middle-class character.
The town has a stable, family-oriented feel. Many residents are commuters who chose Westwood for its train access and reasonable home prices compared to towns closer to New York City.
Drawbacks to Consider
Traffic downtown can be brutal during peak hours, and the train station parking fills up quickly during commuting times.
Looking for local events and information about the Pascack Valley area? Sign up for our newsletter.